U.S. Coast Guard

COMDTINST M1020.8 — Body Composition & Physical Fitness

Educational reference only. The numbers on this page summarize public service regulations for planning purposes. They are not official medical, recruiting, or administrative determinations. Always confirm your status with a recruiter, commanding officer, or hiring agency using the official assessment.

How the screen works

Accession screen uses BMI 19.0–27.5; the primary in-service screen is abdominal circumference (Men ≤ 39 in, Women ≤ 35.5 in). Body-fat % applies if needed. The Coast Guard is aligning toward the DoD WHtR < 0.55 screen.

Initial screenThresholdResult
Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR)must be < 0.55Below passes with no tape test; at or above → secondary body-fat evaluation
Abdominal circumference (primary)MenWomen
Maximum at navel39 in35.5 in

Maximum allowable body-fat % (age / sex)

Age groupMen (max %)Women (max %)
Under 3022%32%
Under 4024%34%
40+26%36%

Source & verification